May 5, 2016

Event Navigation

Cinco de Mayo

The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, The 5th Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Puebla and throughout the state of Puebla, with some limited recognition in other parts of Mexico, and especially in U.S. cities with a significant Mexican population. It is not, as many people think, Mexico’s Independence Day, which is actually September 16.

In America, Cinco de Mayo has become an excuse to eat Mexican food and drink margaritas.

But in Mexico, it’s celebrated a bit differently.

The holiday actually commemorates a military victory, when Mexico defeated the French in 1862. And instead of being celebrated across the country, the only place that really celebrates the holiday is Puebla, where the battle actually took place.

From historical reenactments and parades to mouthwatering meals, here’s what you’ll see happening in Mexico on May 5th.

Here’s how people in Mexico celebrates Cinco de Mayo:

There’s a massive parade in Puebla, where thousands of locals gather and dress as French and Mexican soldiers to reenact the war. After the Mexican troops win, celebrations begin with music, dancing, and food.

There are dozens of brightly-colored floats in the parade

And of course, there are tons of piñatas that are filled with candies and cookies.

Puebla’s most iconic dish is mole poblano, a thick, complex sauce that’s made with over a dozen ingredients, including chili peppers and chocolate. It’s usually served over chicken. During these celebrations, the city hosts the Festival International del Mole, a two-day festival where celebrity chefs discuss, prepare, and celebrate the dish.

Chicken Tinga is another iconic dish that’s served during Cinco de Mayo. Whether it’s served on a plate or in a tortilla, the traditional dish includes chicken cooked in a tomato base and seasoned with onion, garlic, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

Instead of tequila, the most popular drink in Mexico is actually agua fresco — flavored water combined with fruits, seeds, and flowers. Favorites include lime water, hibiscus-flavored water, and tamarind water.

Mexico City also hosts a big parade with dancing, singing, and re-enactments. Almost everyone is adorned in long, flowing dresses or traditional Mexican pant suits with a bright sombrero.